With the big holiday week now upon us, the list of new releases hitting stores is not surprisingly a short one — even by 2008 standards. So this week's rundown is likewise going to be short and sweet. Our cast of pickmaking contributors have also been given the week off, so you won't find a lot of fireworks here this time around.

But speaking of Independence Day, I can't think of a better way to celebrate America than with Willie Nelson'sStardust: 30th Anniversary Legacy Edition. On this newly upgraded edition, you've got a true American original, digging into the American songbook, for an album that has long since gone down as an American classic. The only things missing are the barbeque and the fireworks. The Legacy Edition also features a second disc with even more of Willie's unique take on some of the best loved American standards.

Looking elsewhere, 50 Cent's original crew G-Unit is back with T.O.S.: Terminate on Sight. Although they are down a few members — most notably Young Buck — G-Unit still manages to bring it here for the most part.

On Where the Light Is: John Mayer Live in Los Angeles, the hearthrob mellow rock guitarist performs in settings which include acoustic trio, electric trio, and large ensemble. As always, Mayer blends everything from his trademark mellow rock tunes, to elements of jazz, blues, and occasionally a somewhat harder brand of rock.

Rounding out the highlights, tex-mex rockers Los Lonely Boys are back with Forgiven. My Chemical Romance bid farewell to the Black Parade era on the live disc The Black Parade Is Dead!.

Happy 4th of July everyone!

Here are all of this week's new album releases courtesy of All Music Guide:

Alkaline TrioAgony & IronyEpic Punk-Pop, Punk Revival

EarlimartHymn and HerShout! Factory Indie Pop, Indie Rock

G-UnitT.O.S.: Terminate on SightG-Unit Hardcore Rap, East Coast Rap

Vanessa HudgensIdentifiedHollywood Teen Pop, Dance-Pop

John MayerWhere the Light Is: John Mayer Live in Los AngelesColumbia Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Pop/Rock, Blues-Rock

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About Glen Boyd

Glen Boyd is the author of Neil Young FAQ, released in May 2012 by Backbeat Books/Hal Leonard Publishing. He is a former BC Music Editor and current contributor, whose work has also appeared in SPIN, The Rocket, The Source and other publications. You can read more of Glen's work at The Rockologist, and at the official Neil Young FAQ site. Follow Glen on Twitter and on Facebook.